Defending Drug Crimes Charges Throughout Long Island & New York City

Offices Conveniently Located in Nassau & Suffolk County

Drug cases, whether at the state or federal level, can result in hefty fines, long-term imprisonment, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record. With so much at stake, it is important to not go through this time alone. When you turn to The Law Office of Gaitman & Russo, you can have a skilled legal advocate on your side who is willing to stand up for your rights and can help you navigate every step of the complex legal process.

From the time of your arrest to the conclusion of the trial and final judgment, our legal team will take you step by step through the process for your best possible outcome. Call us today at (516) 588-7590 and schedule a free consultation.

Types of Drug Offenses in Long Island, NY

Drug crimes are not taken lightly in New York. Our criminal defense lawyers know firsthand how aggressively the government prosecutes these types of offenses. Most crimes that involve a controlled substance are charged as felonies. That means they often carry huge fines and lengthy prison sentences.

In New York, drug crimes are generally divided into two main categories: controlled substances offenses and marijuana crimes. There are 29 different crimes involving controlled substances and 11 offenses pertaining to marijuana. Participating in any of those 39 crimes can result in severe penalties.

We represent clients who are facing all types of drug charges, including:

• Possession of a controlled substance

• Sale of a controlled substance

• Cultivation of marijuana

• Improper use of medical marijuana

• Trafficking marijuana

• Use of a child to commit a controlled substance crime

• Possession of a hypodermic instrument

• Injection of a narcotic drug

• Use of drug paraphernalia

• Unlawful manufacturing of methamphetamine

• Operation as a major drug trafficker

• Witness or victim of drug overdose

Penalties for Drug Crimes

There is a wide range of potential penalties for drug crimes. The specific sentence depends on several factors, including the nature of the crime, the type and amount of substance involved, and whether the offender has any previous convictions. Punishments can run anywhere from a maximum fine of $100 for marijuana possession to lifetime imprisonment for acting as a major drug trafficker. It’s also important to note that New York enhances penalties for those who have prior convictions.

To give you an understanding of potential penalties, we have included information on the various sentences imposed for possession of a controlled substance below. These penalties are arranged according to the degree, or level of severity, of the crime (note: there is no sixth-degree crime in New York).

The punishments for drug possession include:

• Seventh-degree drug possession – a Class A misdemeanor punishable by a maximum fine of $1,000 and up to one year in prison

• Fifth-degree drug possession – a Class D felony punishable by a maximum fine of $5,000 and up to 5.5 years in prison

• Fourth-degree drug possession – a Class C felony punishable by a maximum fine of $15,000 and up to 2.5 years in prison

• Third-degree drug possession – a Class B felony punishable by a maximum fine of $30,000 and up to 9 years in prison

• Second-degree drug possession – a Class A-II felony punishable by a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to 10 years in prison

• First-degree drug possession – a Class A-I felony punishable by a maximum fine of $100,000 and up to 20 years in prison

Long Island Drug Crime Lawyers

Trust a law firm that will not give up until all aspects of your defense have been tested. Our Long Island Drug Crimes defense attorneys will offer you sound counsel, compassion for your situation and tenacious defense of your alleged crime.

For more information about our legal services, contact us today.
We have offices located in Nassau and Suffolk County.